November Advent

November arrived quietly on the heels of the costumes and candy and commotion of Halloween.

To me, November is Thanksgiving. It is the season I savor the most. It is a time when I do not feel alone as I pen my gratitude lists. Posts abound on social media proclaiming what people are thankful for. Many accept the “Gratitude Challenge” to find things daily that they are thankful for. What a delightful thing that we would busy ourselves with the biblical mandate to give thanks in all things!

I  anticipate November like I anticipate Advent. The dictionary defines advent as: “a coming into place, view, or being; arrival; the coming of Christ into the world.” These 25 days we have before Thanksgiving can be used to cultivate deeply grateful hearts, just as the Advent season in December prepares our hearts to participate in the good tidings of great joy as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Welcome to November Advent. With every acknowledgement of the good things in our life, for every time we take note of a special moment, for every nod heavenward, knowing that God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift and with every written note of gratitude, we help usher in Christ’s rightful place in our worlds.

In the midst of worldwide chaos,  personal deaths and tragedies,  health challenges, wayward children, difficult relationships, frustrating finances,  life plans unrealized, or dying dreams, we still give thanks. It brings clarity, brings the right things into view and heralds the arrival of God’s peace, love and hope in our days, despite the circumstances.

They say “Attitude is Everything.”  I would also contend that, “Gratitude is Everything.” It will color our world in the best possible light and help us see God’s hand in our lives. I suspect it is no mistake that Thanksgiving precedes the Christmas Season. As we spend the month turning  our eyes to the present, we will celebrate all the more the gift of God’s presence in our world, our lives and our hearts.

May this month bring new clarity of God’s faithfulness in our lives, as we give thanks.

Giving Thanks With You,